Love to Hear God: The Love of Money
Mercy Culture Church | Aaron Christopherson
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If you would like to learn more about our culture, how you connect with God, get plugged into community and begin your journey to encountering God daily, MC Connect is your next step!
Text CONNECT to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/connect
Text CONNECT to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/connect
Welcome to Mercy Culture Church! We are so excited you're here.
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For everyone that texts NEW, we will donate $10 to The Justice Reform, an organization that is answering the cry for justice by bringing reformation from city to city.
Text NEW to 59090 so we can connect with you.
For everyone that texts NEW, we will donate $10 to The Justice Reform, an organization that is answering the cry for justice by bringing reformation from city to city.
At Mercy Culture, we don’t pass the plates at our services. We have a value of generosity and a thriving culture of givers in our community! We honor God by giving our first and our best through tithes and offerings.
Text GIVE to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/give
Text GIVE to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/give
One time a year, we bring a special offering unto the Lord. We ask God for His heart for His house. On Sunday, March 2, we will come together as a church family and bring our offering as worship unto the Lord.
This is a Year of Radical Love. Let our giving reflect our radical love for God!
Text HFM to 59090 or visit https://www.mercyculture.com/heartformercy
This is a Year of Radical Love. Let our giving reflect our radical love for God!
Text HFM to 59090 or visit https://www.mercyculture.com/heartformercy
If you desire to spiritually grow, join us at the Presence Driven Church Conference February 23 - February 25.
All night sessions are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and FREE FOR MEMBERS! This isn’t just for senior pastors. This is for ANYONE who is hungry to spiritually grow. Tonight through Tuesday night: 6:30-8:30.
All night sessions are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and FREE FOR MEMBERS! This isn’t just for senior pastors. This is for ANYONE who is hungry to spiritually grow. Tonight through Tuesday night: 6:30-8:30.
Cards
Joshua 7:2-5
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2 Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”
4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.
5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
3 On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”
4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.
5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
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Joshua 7:10-12
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10 But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face?
11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.
12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.
12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
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When you love money, you cannot love God.
Matthew 6:21
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21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
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Matthew 6:24
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24 No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
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When you love money, you cannot love God.
When you love money, you love the spirit that rests on money.
1 Timothy 6:10
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10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
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Love of Money = philargyria – avarice, a strong desire for riches or greed; extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Question: What does greed sounds like?
I have a house but if only I had a bigger house, then I’d be happy.
I have a car but if only I had a better car, then I’d be happy.
I’m on vacation but if only I was staying someplace nicer, then I’d be happy.
I have an income but if only I made more, then I’d be happy.
I have a house but if only I had a bigger house, then I’d be happy.
I have a car but if only I had a better car, then I’d be happy.
I’m on vacation but if only I was staying someplace nicer, then I’d be happy.
I have an income but if only I made more, then I’d be happy.
Root = riza – offspring, a sprout, that which like a root springs forth.
Love of money = When you love the idea of what money can do for you MORE than you love God.
Those that love money never have enough.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
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10 He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.
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Those that love money cannot be a spiritual leader.
1 Timothy 3:2-3
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2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
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Those that love money are not content with what they have.
Hebrews 13:5
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5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
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When you love money, you believe that Jesus is NOT enough.
Those that love money are unfruitful and the Word of God is choked out of them.
Mark 4:18-19
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18 Others are like the seeds sown among the thorns. They hear the word,
19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
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When you love money, you call the things you have your fruit.
Those that love money are not good stewards.
Psalms 24:1
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1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.
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The love of money resists good stewardship
10 Red Flags that reveal your love for money
1. You don’t tithe
Leviticus 27:30
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30 Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
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Malachi 3:8-10
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8 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
9 You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
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The love of money says: Tithing is Old Testament.
2 Reason why the tithe isn’t abolished by the “law” – old covenant
1. Tithing began before the law (Genesis 14:18-31- 500-600 years before Law)
2. Jesus endorsed tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23)
2 Reason why the tithe isn’t abolished by the “law” – old covenant
1. Tithing began before the law (Genesis 14:18-31- 500-600 years before Law)
2. Jesus endorsed tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23)
2.You don’t give generously above the tithe.
Proverbs 3:9-10
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9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
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1 Timothy 6:18
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18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
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You love money if you think you can only be generous if you make more money!
Luke 16:10
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10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
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Practical Advice: Ask the Lord for a number or a percentage!
3. You don’t budget
Proverbs 21:20
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20 Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
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Proverbs 13:16
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16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
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If you don’t budget, you’ll be a wicked and lazy servant!
4. You become obsessive about building wealth
2 Signs your building your own kingdom
1. You don’t give generously
2. You don’t use your business, platform, or influence to preach the gospel
1. You don’t give generously
2. You don’t use your business, platform, or influence to preach the gospel
1 Timothy 6:9-10
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9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
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Genesis 12:2
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2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
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5. You become jealous when other people are blessed
James 3:16
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16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
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6. You feel anxious and fearful
Philippians 4:6-7
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6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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You love money when you keep debt or purchases from your spouse!
7. You believe like God would or could never ask you to give away what you value most
Luke 14:33
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33 In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.
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8. You don’t multiply
Matthew 25:25-27
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25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
26 ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.
26 ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.
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Caution: if you don’t multiply, it’s because you tolerate the spirit of fear.
Deuteronomy 8:18
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18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
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Practical Advice: Ask the Lord for blueprints for how to multiply.
9. You don’t avoid bad debt
Bad debt = Debt you can’t afford
10. You give to get
Matthew 6:1-2
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1 “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
2 So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
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When you love money you can’t follow the Lord, no matter how much you want to.
The love of money births all kinds of evil, radical love produces radical generosity.
When you love God, you will love to give.
John 3:16
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16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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Romans 12:8
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8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
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1 Timothy 6:18
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18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
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2 Corinthians 9:7
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7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
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Luke 19:8
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8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
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When you radically love God, you will love radical generosity!
5 Signs You’re Operating in Radical Generosity
1. No reason can stop you from giving
I Kings 17:11-12
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11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”
12 But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.”
12 But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.”
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This is not financial, this is spiritual!
Generosity is radical when there’s no reason for it.
2. No amount is too small
John 6:8-11
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8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,
9 “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”
10 “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
11 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
9 “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”
10 “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
11 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
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Mark 12:44
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44 For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
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3. No amount is too big
Genesis 22:12
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12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me. ”
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Question: Have you withheld from God because it felt too big?
You can have the love of money in your heart and still give.
4. You are sustained through good stewardship
5.You give as much as you are able, beyond your ability
2 Corinthians 8:2-5
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2 In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
3 For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.
3 For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.
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Idol of Reason sounds like: “I can’t afford to tithe/to give”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “Give more than you are able”
Idol of Reason sounds like: “I have nothing to give”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “No amount is too small”
Idol of Reason sounds like: “But it’s so much!”
Radical Generosity sound like: “No amount is too big”
Idol of Reason like: “There’s no way I can do this”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “No reason can talk you out of this”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “Give more than you are able”
Idol of Reason sounds like: “I have nothing to give”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “No amount is too small”
Idol of Reason sounds like: “But it’s so much!”
Radical Generosity sound like: “No amount is too big”
Idol of Reason like: “There’s no way I can do this”
Radical Generosity sounds like: “No reason can talk you out of this”
Practical Advice: Ask the Lord what radical generosity is for you.
Joshua 7:4-5
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4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai.
5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
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Joshua 7:11-13
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11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.
12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
13 Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
13 Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
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Joshua 7:12
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12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
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When you love money, the Lord will not be with you anymore.
Question: What has the love of money caused you to keep or give?
When you love money, you cannot love God.
